Stand Alone Aircraft Flight Data Transmitter

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting data. An aircraft data transmission system comprises an aircraft flight data transmitter. The aircraft flight data transmitter is configured to be connected to a connector for an on-board flight data recorder system for an aircraft. The aircraft flight data transmitter is further configured to receive data generated by sensors in the aircraft from the on-board flight data recorder system. The aircraft flight data transmitter is further configured to determine whether an undesired condition is present in the aircraft using the data. The aircraft flight data transmitter is further configured to initiate sending of at least a portion of the data received from the on-board flight data recorder system over a wireless communications link in response to a determination that the undesired condition is present in the aircraft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is related to patent application U.S. Ser. No. 12 / 623,909, filed Nov. 23, 2009, entitled “Automatic Emergency Reporting”, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0002]1. Field[0003]The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to transmitting data from aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting data from an aircraft when an undesired condition is present for the aircraft.[0004]2. Background[0005]Aircraft have many sensors that generate data used to operate the aircraft. For example, sensors may provide data about airspeed, temperature, pressure, location, control surface positions, cabin pressure, and other types of data. This data is used by the operators of the aircraft as well as by different systems in the aircraft during flight.[0006]Further, some or all of this data also may be stored in on-board flig...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When an unintended encounter with terrain occurs, responders to this event may be faced with a challenge in locating the aircraft.

However, in some cases, locating the aircraft may be more difficult than desired.

For example, if an aircraft has an unintended encounter with terrain, such as an ocean during a storm, it may be difficult to locate the aircraft.

If the aircraft has an unintended encounter with terrain in the form of an ocean, the aircraft may reach the ocean floor and the transmitters may be unable to transmit signals detectable by responders.

Further, the transmitters may only operate for a limited amount of time prior to running out of power.

If the transmitters run out of power prior to the aircraft being located, the aircraft may be even more difficult to locate on the ocean floor.

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